View source for Linux distribution

{{Short description|Operating system based on the Linux kernel}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2023}}
[[File:Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin Desktop English.png|thumb|[[Ubuntu]], one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions|upright=1.5]]
A '''Linux distribution''',{{efn|Sometimes called a '''GNU/Linux distribution''', with some [[GNU/Linux naming controversy|related controversy]]}} often abbreviated as '''distro''', is an [[operating system]] that includes the [[Linux kernel]] for its [[kernel (operating system)|kernel]] functionality. Although the name does not imply [[distribution (marketing)|product distribution]] per se, a distro—if distributed on its own—is often obtained via a [[website]] intended specifically for the purpose. Distros have been designed for a wide variety of systems ranging from [[personal computer]]s (for example, [[Linux Mint]]) to [[Server (computing)|servers]] (for example, [[Red Hat Enterprise Linux]]) and from [[embedded device]]s (for example, [[OpenWrt]]) to [[supercomputer]]s (for example, [[Rocks Cluster Distribution]]).

A distro typically includes many components in addition to the Linux kernel. Commonly, it includes a [[package manager]], an [[Init|init system]] (such as [[systemd]], [[OpenRC]], [[SysVinit]], or [[runit]]), [[GNU]] tools and [[Library (computing)|libraries]], documentation, [[Internet Protocol|IP]] network configuration utilities, the [[Getty (Unix)|getty]] TTY setup program, and many more. To provide a desktop experience (most commonly the [[Mesa (computer graphics)|Mesa]] userspace graphics drivers) a [[Windowing system|display server]] (the most common being the [[X.org Server]], or, more recently, a [[Wayland (display server protocol)|Wayland]] compositor such as [[Sway (window manager)|Sway]], [[KDE]]'s [[KWin]], or [[GNOME]]'s [[Mutter (software)|Mutter]]), a [[desktop environment]] (most commonly [[GNOME]], [[KDE Plasma]], or [[Xfce]]), a [[sound server]] (usually either [[PulseAudio]] or more recently [[PipeWire]]), and other related programs may be included or installed by the user.

Typically, most of the included software is [[free and open-source software]] {{endash}} made available both as [[Executable|binary]] for convenience and as [[source code]] to allow for modifying it. A distro may also include [[proprietary software]] that is not available in source code form, such as a [[device driver]] [[binary blob|binary]].<ref name="x3fEd">{{cite web | url = https://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html | title = Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems | date = June 30, 2014 | access-date = January 5, 2015 | website = gnu.org | archive-date = April 24, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110424061731/http://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html | url-status = live}}</ref>

A distro may be described as a particular assortment of application and utility software (various GNU tools and libraries, for example), packaged with the Linux kernel in such a way that its capabilities meet users' needs.<ref name="Rn9ZU">{{cite web | url = http://swift.siphos.be/linux_sea/whatislinux.html#idm3571768989216 | title = Linux Operating Systems: Distributions | date = November 27, 2014 | access-date = January 8, 2015 | website = swift.siphos.be | archive-date = October 3, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181003201630/http://swift.siphos.be/linux_sea/whatislinux.html#idm3571768989216 | url-status = dead}}</ref> The software is usually adapted to the distribution and then combined into software packages by the distribution's maintainers. The software packages are available online in [[Software repository|repositories]], which are storage locations usually distributed around the world.<ref name="IpPUW">{{cite web | url = http://www.howtogeek.com/117579/htg-explains-how-software-installation-package-managers-work-on-linux/ | title = HTG Explains: How Software Installation & Package Managers Work On Linux | date = June 27, 2012 | access-date = January 15, 2015 | author = Chris Hoffman | website = howtogeek.com | archive-date = February 10, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150210001733/http://www.howtogeek.com/117579/htg-explains-how-software-installation-package-managers-work-on-linux/ | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Eg74B">{{cite web | url = http://mirror-status.centos.org/ | title = The status of CentOS mirrors | date = January 15, 2015 | access-date = January 15, 2015 | website = centos.org | archive-date = December 31, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141231161218/http://mirror-status.centos.org/ | url-status = live}}</ref> Beside "glue" components, such as the distribution installers (for example, [[Debian-Installer]] and [[Anaconda (installer)|Anaconda]]) and the package management systems, very few packages are actually written by a distribution's maintainers.

Distributions have been designed for a wide range of computing environments, including [[Desktop computer|desktops]], [[Server (computing)|servers]], [[laptop]]s, [[netbook]]s, [[mobile device]]s (phones and tablets),<ref name="mOuND">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/linux/how-install-ubuntu-touch-image-3531970/|title=How to install Ubuntu Touch on your Android phone or tablet|author=Jim Martin|work=PC Advisor|access-date=October 29, 2015|archive-date=October 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027012940/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/linux/how-install-ubuntu-touch-image-3531970/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="3PAkr">{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/install-linux-on-your-x86-tablet-five-distros-to-choose-from-1162825|title=Install Linux on your x86 tablet: five distros to choose from|author=David Hayward|work=TechRadar|access-date=October 29, 2015|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413074905/https://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/install-linux-on-your-x86-tablet-five-distros-to-choose-from-1162825|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[embedded systems]].<ref name="huumN">{{cite web |url = http://www.linux.com/learn/docs/ldp/282996-choosing-the-best-linux-distributions-for-you |title = The Top 7 Best Linux Distributions for You |date = February 3, 2010 |access-date = January 11, 2015 |author = Brian Proffitt |website = linux.com |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150105063710/http://www.linux.com/learn/docs/ldp/282996-choosing-the-best-linux-distributions-for-you |archive-date = January 5, 2015 |df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="wrjjJ">{{cite web | url = http://www.linux.com/news/embedded-mobile/mobile-linux/794261-mobile-linux-distros-keep-on-morphing | title = Mobile Linux Distros Keep on Morphing | date = November 4, 2014 | access-date = January 11, 2015 | author = Eric Brown | website = linux.com | archive-date = February 13, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150213124237/http://www.linux.com/news/embedded-mobile/mobile-linux/794261-mobile-linux-distros-keep-on-morphing | url-status = dead}}</ref> There are commercially backed distributions, such as [[Red Hat Enterprise Linux]] ([[Red Hat]]), [[openSUSE]] ([[SUSE S.A.|SUSE]]) and [[Ubuntu]] ([[Canonical (company)|Canonical]]), and entirely community-driven distributions, such as [[Debian]], [[Slackware]], [[Gentoo Linux|Gentoo]] and [[Arch Linux]]. Most distributions come ready-to-use and prebuilt for a specific [[instruction set]], while some (such as [[Gentoo Linux|Gentoo]]) are distributed mostly in [[source code]] form and must be [[software build|built]] before installation.<ref name="HSFsG">{{cite web | url = https://wiki.debian.org/DebianAndOtherDistros | title = Debian and Other Distros | date = December 7, 2013 | access-date = January 5, 2015 | website = debian.org | archive-date = January 14, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150114082247/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianAndOtherDistros | url-status = live}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Linux 0 12.jpg|thumb|5.25-inch [[floppy disk]]s holding a very early version of Linux]]
[[File:Linux Distribution Timeline.svg|alt=Timeline of Linux distributions|thumb|Timeline of the development of main Linux distributions<ref name="tGGs6">{{cite web |title=Linux Distributions Timeline |url=https://github.com/FabioLolix/LinuxTimeline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311203953/https://github.com/FabioLolix/LinuxTimeline |archive-date=March 11, 2025 |access-date=March 17, 2025 |publisher=FabioLolix}}</ref>]]
[[Linus Torvalds]] developed the [[Linux kernel]] and distributed its first version, 0.01, in 1991. Linux was initially distributed as [[source code]] only, and later as a pair of downloadable [[floppy disk]] images: one bootable and containing the Linux kernel itself, and the other with a set of [[GNU project|GNU]] utilities and tools for setting up a file system. Since the installation procedure was complicated, especially in the face of growing amounts of available software, distributions sprang up to simplify it.<ref name="MhhmD">{{cite journal |last=Berlich |first=Ruediger |title=All you need to know about... The early history of Linux, Part 2, Re: distribution |journal=LinuxUser |date=April 2001 |url=http://oldlinux.org/Linux.old/docs/lu9-All_you_need_to_know_about-The_early_history_of_Linux_part_2.pdf |access-date=May 4, 2013 |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728140140/http://oldlinux.org/Linux.old/docs/lu9-All_you_need_to_know_about-The_early_history_of_Linux_part_2.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

Early distributions included:
* Torvalds' "''Boot-Root''" images, later maintained by Jim Winstead Jr., the aforementioned disk image pair with the kernel and the absolute minimal tools to get started (4 November 1991)<ref>[https://www.kclug.org/old_archives/linux-activists/1991/dec/1/0002.shtml linux-0.11 available]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/Historic/old-versions/RELNOTES-0.95a|title=RELNOTES-0.95a}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/nico/archive.git/commit/?id=be068f1a017608faa9b4a0652686426df2e87689|title=kernel/git/nico/archive.git - Archive of old Linux versions since v0.01|website=git.kernel.org}}</ref><ref name="ovoFu">{{Cite web|last1=Klemmer |first1=Joe |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/91371/|title=A Short History of Linux Distributions [LWN.net]|website=lwn.net|date=June 30, 2004 |access-date=2018-09-30|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113052/https://lwn.net/Articles/91371/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[MCC Interim Linux]] (3 March 1992)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tech-insider.org/linux/research/1992/0225-b.html|title=interim release|website=www.tech-insider.org}}</ref>
* [[Softlanding Linux System]] (SLS) which included the X Window System and was the most comprehensive distribution for a short time (15 August 1992)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tech-insider.org/linux/research/1992/0812.html|title=SLS: Free Linux Distribution|website=www.tech-insider.org}}</ref>
* [[HJ Lu|H.J. Lu]]'s "''bootable rootdisks''" (23 September 1992),<ref>[https://www.kclug.org/old_archives/linux-activists/1992/sep/3/0266.shtml Anyone wants a bootable rootdisk?]</ref><ref>[https://www.kclug.org/old_archives/linux-activists/1992/sep/3/0341.shtml bootable root disks are on tsx-11]</ref> and "''Linux Base System''" (5 October 1992)<ref>[https://www.kclug.org/old_archives/linux-activists/1992/oct/0/0172.shtml Anyone interested in Linux Base System]</ref><ref>[https://www.kclug.org/old_archives/linux-activists/1992/oct/0/0430.shtml ANNOUNCE: The Linux Base System]</ref>
* [[Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X]], a commercial distribution (8 December 1992)

The two oldest, still active distribution projects started in 1993. The SLS distribution was not well maintained, so in July 1993 a new SLS-based distribution, [[Slackware]], was released by [[Patrick Volkerding]].<ref name="oOaPr">{{cite web |url=http://www.slackware.com/announce/1.0.php |title=The Slackware Linux Project: Slackware Release Announcement |publisher=Slackware.com |date=July 16, 1993 |access-date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809110953/http://www.slackware.com/announce/1.0.php |url-status=live}}</ref> Also dissatisfied with SLS, [[Ian Murdock]] set to create a free distribution by founding [[Debian]] in August 1993, with first public BETA released in January 1994 and first stable version in June 1996.<ref>[https://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/ChangeLog debian-0.91-ChangeLog]</ref><ref name="0qLCM">{{cite web |url=https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/detailed.en.html |title=A Brief History of Debian - Debian Releases |website=debian.org |date=May 4, 2013 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418045322/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/detailed.en.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Users were attracted to Linux distributions as alternatives to [[MS-DOS]] compatible operating systems, [[Windows]], [[Classic Mac OS]], and [[proprietary software|proprietary]] versions of [[Unix]]. Most early adopters were familiar with Unix from work or school. They embraced Linux distributions for their low (or absent) cost, and the availability of the [[source code]] for most or all of their software.

As of 2025, Linux has become more popular in server and embedded devices markets than in the desktop market. It is used in approximately 64.5% of web servers;<ref name="w8AEo">{{cite web |url=https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/os-unix/all/all |title=Usage statistics and market share of Unix for websites |website=w3techs.org |date=November 6, 2025 |access-date=November 6, 2025 |archive-date=October 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241026192741/https:5/w3techs.com/technologies/details/os-unix |url-status=live }}</ref> its current operating system market share is about 2.51%,<ref name="Ay5cT">{{cite web |date=October 31, 2025 |title=Browser & Platform Market Share October 2025 |url=https://www.w3counter.com/globalstats.php?year=2025&month=10 |access-date= November 6, 2025|website=w3counter.com}}</ref> and its desktop operating system market share is about 2.94%.<ref name="Desktop OS Market Share">{{cite web |date=November 1, 2025 |title=Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide - October 2025|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide?ref=itsfoss.com |access-date= November 6, 2025|website=statcounter.com/}}</ref>

==Components==
[[File:Linux kernel ubiquity.svg|thumb|A Linux distribution is usually built around a [[package management system]], which puts together the [[Linux kernel]], free and open-source software, and occasionally some proprietary software.]]

Many Linux distributions provide an installation system akin to that provided with other modern operating systems. Other distributions, including [[Gentoo Linux]], provide only the binaries of a basic kernel, compilation tools, and an installer; the installer compiles all the requested software for the specific [[CPU Architecture|architecture]] of the user's computer, using these tools and the software's source code.

===Package management===
{{See also|Package management system|Linux package formats}}

Distributions are normally segmented into ''packages''. Each package contains a specific application or service. Examples of packages are a library for handling the [[Portable Network Graphics|PNG]] image format, a collection of fonts, and a [[web browser]].

The package is typically provided as compiled code, with installation and removal of packages handled by a [[package management system]] (PMS) rather than a simple [[file archiver]]. Each package intended for such a PMS contains meta-information such as its description, version number, and its [[dependency (computer science)|dependencies]] (other packages it requires to run). The package management system evaluates this meta-information to allow package searches, perform automatic upgrades to newer versions, and to check that all dependencies of a package are present (and either notify the user to install them, or install them automatically). The package can also be provided as [[source code]] to be compiled on the system.

Most distributions install packages, including the kernel and other core operating system components, in a predetermined configuration. A few now require or permit configuration adjustments at first install time. This makes installation less daunting, particularly for new users, but is not always acceptable. For specific requirements, much software must be carefully configured to be useful, to work correctly with other software, or to be secure, and local administrators are often obliged to spend time reviewing and reconfiguring it.

Some (but not all) distributions go to considerable lengths to adjust and customize the software they include, and some provide configuration tools to help users do so.

By obtaining and installing ''everything'' normally provided in a distribution, an administrator may create a "distributionless" installation. It is possible to build such systems from scratch, avoiding distributions altogether. One needs a way to generate the first binaries until the system is ''[[Self-hosting (compilers)|self-hosting]]''. This can be done via compilation on another system capable of building binaries for the intended target (possibly by [[cross-compilation]]). For example, see [[Linux From Scratch]].

==Types and trends==
{{further|Linux adoption|Comparison of Linux distributions}}

In broad terms, Linux distributions may be:
* Commercial or non-commercial
* Designed for enterprise users, [[power user]]s, or for home users
* Supported on multiple types of hardware, or platform-specific, even to the extent of certification by the platform vendor
* Designed for servers, desktops, or embedded devices
* General purpose or highly specialized toward specific machine functionalities (e.g. firewalls, network routers, and [[computer cluster]]s)
* Targeted at specific user groups, for example through language [[internationalization and localization]], or through inclusion of many [[music production]] or [[scientific computing]] packages
* Built primarily for [[computer security|security]], [[usability]], portability, or comprehensiveness
* Standard release or [[rolling release]], see below.

The diversity of Linux distributions is due to technical, organizational, and philosophical variation among vendors and users. The permissive licensing of free software means that users with sufficient knowledge and interest can customize any extant distribution, or design one to suit their own needs.

===Rolling distributions vis-à-vis standard releases===
Rolling Linux distributions are kept current using small and frequent [[patch (computing)|updates]]. The terms ''partially rolling'' and ''partly rolling'' (along with synonyms ''semi-rolling'' and ''half-rolling''), ''fully rolling'', ''truly rolling'' and ''optionally rolling'' are sometimes used by software developers and users.<ref name="VkQMs">{{cite web|author=The Chakra Project|title=half-rolling development model|url=http://chakra-project.org/wiki/index.php/Chakra#Half-Rolling_Release_Model|publisher=chakra-project-org|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=October 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011194250/http://chakra-project.org/wiki/index.php/Chakra#Half-Rolling_Release_Model|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Jzsjg">{{cite web|author=The Chakra Project|title=The Chakra Project Wiki: FAQs|url=http://chakra-project.org/wiki/index.php/Frequently_Asked_Questions|publisher=chakra-project-org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827204853/http://chakra-project.org/wiki/index.php/Frequently_Asked_Questions|archive-date=2011-08-27}}</ref><ref name="pThSN">{{cite web|title=Fedora Release Life-cycle Proposals|url=https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Release_Lifecycle_Proposals|publisher=fedoraproject.org|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518071952/https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Release_Lifecycle_Proposals|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="jMxHl">{{cite web|title=Fedora Development Mailing List|date=March 5, 2010 |url=https://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/devel/2010-March/132434.html|publisher=fedoraproject.org|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803053134/https://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/devel/2010-March/132434.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="rVo8I">{{cite web|author=Rev|title=Linux Certification – Preparation|url=http://www.walkingwithzen.com/2009_09_01_archive.html|publisher=walkingwithzen.com|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=September 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914152531/http://www.walkingwithzen.com/2009_09_01_archive.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="XqSOX">{{cite web|title=Why openSUSE|url=http://en.opensuse.org/openSUSE:Why_openSUSE|publisher=opensuse.org|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518072008/https://en.opensuse.org/openSUSE:Why_openSUSE|url-status=live}}</ref>

Repositories of '''rolling distributions''' usually contain very recent [[software release]]s—often the latest stable versions available.<ref name="pThSN" /> They have pseudo-releases and installation media that are simply [[revision control#Baselines labels and tags|snapshots]] of the distribution at the time of the installation image's release. Typically, a rolling-release OS installed from older installation medium can be fully updated after it is installed.<ref name="pThSN" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=2014-07-14 |title=Linux Distribution Basics: Rolling Releases vs. Standard Releases |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/192939/linux-distribution-basics-rolling-releases-vs.-standard-releases/ |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=How-To Geek |language=en-US}}</ref>

Depending on the usage case, there can be pros and cons to both standard release and rolling release [[software development methodologies]].<ref name="Perrin">{{citation|author=Chad Perrin|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/security/point-release-vs-rolling-release-developer-user-and-security-considerations/4150|title=Point-release vs rolling-release: developer, user and security considerations|publisher=techrepublic.com|date=2010-08-02|access-date=2011-09-06|archive-date=September 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928084926/http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/security/point-release-vs-rolling-release-developer-user-and-security-considerations/4150|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In terms of the [[software development process]], '''standard releases''' require significant development effort to keep old versions up-to-date by propagating [[software bug|bug]] fixes back to the newest branch, versus focusing on the newest [[development branch]]. Also, unlike rolling releases, standard releases require more than one code branch to be developed and maintained, which increases the workload of the software developers and maintainers.

On the other hand, software features and technology planning are easier in standard releases due to a better understanding of upcoming features in the next version(s). [[Software release cycle]]s can also be synchronized with those of major [[Upstream (software development)|upstream]] software projects, such as [[desktop environment]]s.

As for the [[user experience]], standard releases are often viewed as more stable and bug-free since software conflicts can be more easily addressed and the software stack more thoroughly tested and evaluated, during the software development cycle.<ref name="Perrin" /><ref name="Mandla">{{cite web | url=http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/03/09/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-rolling-release/ | title=The pros and cons of a rolling release | publisher=kmandla.wordpress.com | date=2007-03-09 | access-date=January 26, 2012 | author=K.Mandla | archive-date=November 12, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112152609/http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/03/09/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-rolling-release/ | url-status=live}}</ref> For this reason, they tend to be the preferred choice in enterprise environments and mission-critical tasks.<ref name="Perrin" />

However, rolling releases offer more current software which can also provide increased stability and fewer software bugs along with the additional benefits of new features, greater functionality, faster running speeds, and improved system and [[application security]]. Regarding [[software security]], the rolling release model can have advantages in timely security updates, fixing system or application [[security bug]]s and [[vulnerability (computing)|vulnerabilities]], that standard releases may have to wait till the next release for or patch in various versions. In a rolling release distribution, where the user has ''chosen'' to run it as a highly dynamic system, the constant flux of software packages can introduce new unintended vulnerabilities.<ref name="Perrin" />

== Installation-free distributions (live CD/USB) ==
{{Main|Live CD|Live USB}}

A "live" distribution is a Linux distribution that can be booted from removable storage media such as [[optical disc]]s or [[USB flash drive]]s, instead of being installed on and booted from a [[hard disk drive]]. The portability of installation-free distributions makes them advantageous for applications such as demonstrations, borrowing someone else's computer, rescue operations, or as installation media for a standard distribution.

When the operating system is booted from a read-only medium such as a CD or DVD, any user data that needs to be retained between sessions cannot be stored on the boot device but must be written to another storage device, such as a USB flash drive or a hard disk drive.<ref name="9y8MA">{{cite web | url = https://lwn.net/Articles/447650/ | title = Debating overlayfs | date = 2011-06-15 | access-date = 2015-01-05 | author = Jonathan Corbet | publisher = [[LWN.net]] | archive-date = July 24, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150724115553/https://lwn.net/Articles/447650/ | url-status = live}}</ref>

Many Linux distributions provide a "live" form in addition to their conventional form, which is a network-based or removable-media image intended to be used only for installation; such distributions include [[antiX]], [[SUSE Linux|SUSE]], Ubuntu, [[Linux Mint]], [[MX Linux]] and [[Fedora Linux]]. Some distributions, including [[Knoppix]], [[Puppy Linux]], Devil-Linux, [[SuperGamer]], [[SliTaz GNU/Linux]] and [[dyne:bolic]], are designed primarily for live use. Additionally, some minimal distributions can be run directly from as little space as one floppy disk without the need to change the contents of the system's hard disk drive.<ref name="TBjY5">{{cite web | url = http://www.asashi.net/pages/pitux.html | title = PiTuX – a micro serial terminal distro | access-date = 2015-01-06 | website = asashi.net | archive-date = February 2, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150202214045/http://asashi.net/pages/pitux.html | url-status = live}}</ref>

==Examples==
<!--{{example farm|section|date=January 2015}}-->
The website [[DistroWatch]] lists many Linux distributions and displays some of the ones that have the most [[web traffic]] on the site. The [[Wikimedia Foundation]] released an analysis of the browser [[User Agent]]s of visitors to WMF websites until 2015, which includes details of the most popular Operating System identifiers, including some Linux distributions.<ref name="KqiAL">{{cite web|url=https://stats.wikimedia.org/archive/squid_reports/2015-01-new/SquidReportOperatingSystems.htm|title=Wikimedia Traffic Analysis Report - Operating Systems|website=stats.wikimedia.org|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202015047/https://stats.wikimedia.org/archive/squid_reports/2015-01-new/SquidReportOperatingSystems.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of the popular distributions are listed below.

===Widely used GNU-based or GNU-compatible distributions===
* [[Debian]], a non-commercial distribution and one of the earliest, maintained by a volunteer developer community with a strong commitment to free software principles and democratic project management.
** [[Ubuntu]], a desktop and server distribution derived from Debian, maintained by British company [[Canonical (company)|Canonical Ltd.]]
*** Several distributions are based on Ubuntu, that mainly replace the [[GNOME]] stock desktop environment, like [[Kubuntu]] with [[KDE Plasma]], [[Lubuntu]] with [[LXQT]], [[Xubuntu]] with [[XFCE]], [[Ubuntu Cinnamon]] with [[Cinnamon (desktop environment)|Cinnamon]], [[Ubuntu MATE]] with [[MATE (software)|MATE]], and [[Ubuntu Budgie]] with [[Budgie (desktop environment)|Budgie]]. Other official forks have specific uses, like [[Ubuntu Kylin]] for Chinese-speaking users, or [[Ubuntu Studio]] for media [[Content creation|content creators]].
*** [[Linux Mint]], a distribution based on and compatible with Ubuntu. Supports multiple desktop environments, among others GNOME Shell [[Fork (software development)|fork]] [[Cinnamon (desktop environment)|Cinnamon]] and [[GNOME 2]] fork [[MATE (desktop environment)|MATE]].
*** [[Pop!_OS]], is a Linux distribution based on [[Ubuntu]] which is developed by [[United States|American]] Linux computer manufacturer [[System76]], and features a customised [[GNOME]] desktop environment named [[COSMIC (desktop environment)|COSMIC]].
* [[Fedora Linux]], a community distribution sponsored by American company [[Red Hat]] and the successor to the firm's prior offering, [[Red Hat Linux]]. It aims to be a technology testbed for Red Hat's commercial Linux offering, where new [[open-source software]] is prototyped, developed, and tested in a communal setting before maturing into Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
** [[Red Hat Enterprise Linux]] (RHEL), a derivative of Fedora Linux, maintained and commercially supported by Red Hat. It seeks to provide tested, secure, and stable Linux server and workstation support to businesses.
* [[openSUSE]], a community distribution mainly sponsored by German company [[SUSE S.A.|SUSE]].
** [[SUSE Linux Enterprise]], derived from openSUSE, maintained and commercially supported by SUSE
* [[Arch Linux]], a [[rolling release]] distribution targeted at experienced Linux users and maintained by a volunteer community, offers official binary packages and a wide range of unofficial user-submitted source packages. Packages are usually defined by a single [[PKGBUILD]] text file.
** [[Manjaro Linux]], a derivative of Arch Linux that includes a graphical installer and other ease-of-use features for less experienced Linux users.
* [[Gentoo Linux|Gentoo]], a distribution targeted at [[power user]]s, known for its [[FreeBSD Ports]]-like automated system for compiling applications from source code
* [[Alpine Linux]], which is popular on servers and uses [[musl]] C standard library and [[BusyBox]] to provide its userland.
* [[Chimera Linux]], which is a community distribution that utilizes a [[FreeBSD]] userland, musl C standard library, [[Alpine Package Keeper]] (APK) package manager and Dinit init system.

===Linux-kernel-based operating systems===
Several operating systems include the Linux kernel, but have a userland that differs significantly from that of mainstream Linux distributions:

* [[Android (operating system)|Android]], Google's commercial operating system based on [[Android (operating system)|Android OSP]] that runs on many devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, set-top boxes.
** There are several third-party distributions of AOSP, in turn, including: [[LineageOS]], [[GrapheneOS]] and [[Android-x86]].
* [[ChromeOS]], Google's commercial operating system based on [[ChromiumOS]] that only runs on [[Chromebook]]s, [[Chromebox]]es and [[tablet computer]]s. Like [[Android (operating system)|Android]], it has the [[Google Play|Google Play Store]] and other [[Google Workspace|Google apps]]. Support for applications that require GNU compatibility is available through a virtual machine called Crostini and referred to by Google as Linux support, see {{Section link|Chromebook|Compatibility with Linux applications (GNU compatibility)}}.

Whether such operating systems count as a "Linux distribution" is a controversial topic. They use the Linux kernel, so the [[Linux Foundation]]<ref name="BDtXs">{{cite web |author=Ask AC: Is Android Linux? |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |title=Ask AC: Is Android Linux? |publisher=Android Central |access-date=March 14, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408213437/http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Chris DiBona]],<ref name="Snohr">{{cite web |author=derStandard.at |url=http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |title=Google: "Android is the Linux desktop dream come true" - Suchmaschinen - derStandard.at " Web |publisher=Derstandard.at |access-date=March 14, 2013 |archive-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422021245/http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |url-status=live}}</ref> Google's former open-source chief, agree that Android is a Linux distribution; others, such as Google engineer Patrick Brady, disagree by noting the lack of support for many GNU tools in Android, including [[glibc]].<ref name="59omI">{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Ryan |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |title=Dream(sheep++): A developer's introduction to Google Android |website=Ars Technica |date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-date=July 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704115615/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Other Linux-kernel-based operating systems include [[Tizen]], [[Mer (software distribution)|Mer]]/[[Sailfish OS]], [[KaiOS]] and [[Amazon (company)|Amazon's]] [[Amazon Kindle|Kindle firmware]].

===Lightweight distributions===
{{main|Lightweight Linux distribution}}
Lightweight Linux distributions are those that have been designed with support for older hardware in mind, allowing older hardware to still be used productively, or, for maximum possible speed in newer hardware by leaving more resources available for use by applications. Examples include [[antiX]], [[Damn Small Linux]] (based on antiX),<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jesse Smith |title=Damn Small Linux |url=https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=damnsmall |website=distrowatch.com |publisher=Atea Ataroa Limited |access-date=9 February 2024 |location=Copenhagen |language=en-US |date=2 February 2024}}</ref> [[Tiny Core Linux]], [[Puppy Linux]] and [[Slitaz]].

===Niche distributions===
Other distributions target specific niches, such as:
* Routers – for example [[OpenWrt]]
* [[Microcontroller]]s with no [[memory management unit]] (MMU) – for example [[μClinux]]
* [[Internet of things]] – for example, targeted by Ubuntu Core<ref name="m1ayx">{{cite book|last1=Dieguez Castro|first1=Jose|title=Introducing Linux Distros|date=2016|publisher=Apress|isbn=978-1-4842-1393-3|pages=49, 345}}</ref> and Microsoft's [[Azure Sphere]]
* [[Home theater PC]]s – for example, targeted by [[Plasma Bigscreen]], [[KnoppMyth]], [[Kodi (software)|Kodi]] (former XBMC) and [[Mythbuntu]]
* Specific platforms – for example, [[Raspberry Pi OS]] targets the [[Raspberry Pi]] platform
* [[Do it yourself]], that is distributions manually built from the ground up, such as [[Linux From Scratch]].
* Education – examples are [[Edubuntu]] and [[Karoshi (operating system)|Karoshi]], server systems based on [[PCLinuxOS]]
* Digital audio workstations for music production – for example, targeted by [[Ubuntu Studio]]
* Computer security, [[digital forensics]] and [[penetration testing]] – examples are [[Kali Linux]] and [[Parrot Security OS]]
* Privacy and anonymity – for example, targeted by [[Tails (operating system)|Tails]], [[Whonix]], [[Qubes OS|Qubes]], and [[FreedomBox]]
* Offline use – for example, [[Endless OS]] 
* Gaming – for example, [[SteamOS]]
* For smartphones – for example, [[Mobian]]

=== Obscure distributions ===
Some distros are lesser-known or known for their quirks, such as:

* Hannah Montanna Linux – Aimed to bring Hannah Montanna fans to Linux.
* Justin Bieber Linux (or Biebian) – A joke distro that is Justin Bieber themed. [https://biebian.sourceforge.net/]
* Red Star OS – North Korean version of Linux is Unix-like.
* Ubuntu Christian Edition – A version of Ubuntu that has been modified with content filtering, custom icons and a custom wallpaper. (UCE has been discontinued since 2023.)

==Interdistribution issues==
The [[Free Standards Group]] was an organization formed by major software and hardware vendors that aims to improve interoperability between different distributions. Among their proposed standards are the [[Linux Standard Base]], which defines a common [[Application binary interface|ABI]] and packaging system for Linux, and the [[Filesystem Hierarchy Standard]] which recommends a standard filenaming chart, notably the basic directory names found on the root of the tree of any Linux filesystem. Those standards, however, see limited use, even among the distributions developed by members of the organization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Free Standards Group (FSG): purpose, workgroups (LSB, OpenI18N, LANANA, DWARF, etc.), members |url=https://www.linfo.org/free_standards_group.html#:~:text=All%20standards%20developed%20by%20the,under%20contract%20with%20the%20FSG. |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=www.linfo.org}}</ref>

The diversity of Linux distributions means that not all software runs on all distributions, depending on what libraries and other system attributes are required. [[Linux package formats|Packaged software]] and software repositories are usually specific to a particular distribution, though cross-installation is sometimes possible on closely related distributions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-04 |title=The best Linux distributions (operating systems) |url=https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/server/configuration/linux-distributions/ |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=IONOS Digital Guide |language=en-gb}}</ref>

==Installation==
There are several ways to install a Linux distribution. The most popular method of installing Linux is by booting from a live [[USB memory stick]], which can be created by using a USB image writer application and the ISO image, which can be downloaded from various Linux distribution websites. DVD disks, CD disks, network installations and even other hard drives can also be used as "installation media".<ref name="JnYKa">{{cite web|url=https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch02s04.html.en|title=2.4. Installation Media|website=www.debian.org|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724032431/https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch02s04.html.en|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the 1990s, Linux distributions were installed using sets of [[floppy disk]]s, but this has been abandoned by all major distributions. By the 2000s, many distributions offered CD and DVD sets with the vital packages on the first disk and less important packages on later ones. Some distributions, such as [[Debian]] also enabled installing over a network after booting from either a set of floppy disks or a CD with only a small amount of data on it.<ref name="Qp3Oj">{{cite web |url=http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/ |title=Network install from a minimal CD |publisher=Debian |access-date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=July 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728110619/http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

New users tend to begin by [[Disk partitioning|partitioning]] a hard drive to keep their formerly installed operating system. The Linux distribution can then be installed on its own separate partition without affecting formerly saved data.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot|title= WindowsDualBoot|access-date=12 December 2021|work=ubuntu.com|date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200302204031/https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot|archive-date=2 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a Live CD setup, the computer boots the entire operating system from CD without first installing it on the computer's hard disk. Many distributions have a Live CD ''installer'', where the computer boots the operating system from the disk, and it can then be installed on the computer's hard disk, providing a seamless transition from the OS running from the CD to the OS running from the hard disk.

Both servers and [[personal computer]]s that come with Linux already installed are available from vendors including [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[Dell]] and [[System76]].

On embedded devices, Linux is typically held in the device's [[firmware]] and may or may not be consumer-accessible.

[[Anaconda installer|Anaconda]], one of the more popular installers, is used by [[Red Hat Enterprise Linux]], [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]] (which uses the [[Fedora Media Writer]]) and other distributions to simplify the installation process. Debian, Ubuntu and many others use [[Debian-Installer]].

The process of constantly switching between distributions is often referred to as "distro hopping".<ref name="dCnRp">{{cite web|title=How I stopped distro hopping|url=http://www.linuxtoday.com/upload/how-i-stopped-distro-hopping-140807140017.html|website=Linux Today|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919054001/http://www.linuxtoday.com/upload/how-i-stopped-distro-hopping-140807140017.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Proven |first=Liam |title=Thoughts on Linux distro-hopping |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/03/linux_distro_hopping/ |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=[[The Register]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Virtual machine|Virtual machine software]] such as [[VirtualBox]] and [[VMware Workstation]] virtualize hardware allowing users to test live media on a virtual machine without installing to the real system. Some websites like [[DistroWatch]] offer lists of distributions, and link to screenshots of operating systems as a way to get a first impression of various distributions.

===Installation via an existing operating system===
Some distributions let the user install Linux on top of their current system, such as WinLinux (outdated)[[:fr:WinLinux|WinLinux]] or [[Cooperative Linux|coLinux]]. Linux is installed to the Windows hard disk partition, and can be started from inside Windows itself.

Virtual machines (such as [[VirtualBox]] or [[VMware]]) also make it possible for Linux to be run inside another OS. The VM software simulates a separate computer onto which the Linux system is installed. After installation, the virtual machine can be booted as if it were an independent computer.

Various tools are also available to perform full [[dual-boot]] installation from extant platforms with no CD, most notably:
* The (now deprecated) [[Wubi (installer)|Wubi installer]], which allows Windows users to download and install [[Ubuntu]] or its derivatives into a [[File Allocation Table]] ([[FAT32]]) or an NT File System ([[NTFS]]) partition with no installation CD, allowing users to easily dual boot between either operating system on the same hard drive without losing data. Replaced by [[Ubiquity (software)|Ubiquity]].
* [[Win32-loader (Debian)|Win32-loader]] was in the process of being integrated into official Debian CDs/DVDs but has been discontinued.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Cyril Brulebois |title=Debian Installer Trixie RC 1 |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2025/05/msg00003.html |website=lists.debian.org |publisher=Debian |access-date=28 June 2025 |language=en-US |date=17 May 2025}}</ref> It allowed Windows users to install [[Debian]] without a CD, though it performs a network installation and thereby requires repartitioning<ref name="lHWXD">{{cite web |author=Debian Webmaster|url=http://packages.debian.org/testing/win32-loader |title=Debian - Details of package win32-loader in Lenny |publisher=Packages.debian.org |access-date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605104509/http://packages.debian.org/testing/win32-loader |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[UNetbootin]], which allows Windows and Linux users to perform similar no-CD network installations for a wide variety of Linux distributions and additionally provides [[live USB]] creation support

==Proprietary software==
Some specific proprietary software products are not available in any form for Linux. As of September 2015, the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] gaming service has over 1,500 games available on Linux, compared to 2,323 games for Mac and 6,500 Windows games.<ref name="rCjF9">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2984922/software-games/steam-for-linux-tops-1500-games-as-launch-of-valves-steam-machines-nears.html|title=Steam for Linux tops 1,500 games as launch of Valve's Steam Machines nears|author=Jared Newman|date=21 September 2015|work=PCWorld|access-date=November 18, 2015|archive-date=November 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119032302/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2984922/software-games/steam-for-linux-tops-1500-games-as-launch-of-valves-steam-machines-nears.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CbQ4u">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/10/steams-living-room-hardware-blitz-gets-off-to-a-muddy-start/2/|title=Steam's living room hardware blitz gets off to a muddy start|work=Ars Technica|date=October 15, 2015|access-date=June 14, 2017|archive-date=January 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111135612/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/10/steams-living-room-hardware-blitz-gets-off-to-a-muddy-start/2/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[emulator|Emulation]] and API-translation projects like [[Wine (software)|Wine]] and [[CrossOver]] make it possible to run non-Linux-based software on Linux systems, either by emulating a proprietary operating system or by translating proprietary API calls (e.g., calls to Microsoft's [[Win32]] or [[DirectX]] APIs) into native Linux API calls. A [[virtual machine]] can also be used to run a proprietary OS (like Microsoft Windows) on top of Linux.

==OEM contracts==
{{update section|reason=Sources are outdated and don't support assertions about the present (2025) situation|date=July 2025}}
Pre-built computers are usually sold with an operating system other than Linux already installed by the [[original equipment manufacturer]] (OEM). In the case of [[IBM PC compatible]]s, the OS is usually [[Microsoft Windows]]; in the case of [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] computers, it has always been [[macOS]]; [[Sun Microsystems]] sold [[SPARC]] hardware with [[Solaris (operating system)|Solaris]] installed; [[video game console]]s such as the [[Xbox]], [[PlayStation]], [[Wii]], and [[Nintendo Switch]] each have their own proprietary OS. This limits Linux's market share: consumers are unaware that an alternative exists, they must make a conscious effort to use a different operating system, and they must either perform the actual installation themselves, or depend on support from a friend, relative, or computer professional.

However, it is possible to buy hardware with Linux already installed. [[Lenovo]], [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[Dell]], Affordy,<ref name="k0WSz">{{cite web |url=http://shop.affordy.com/?lang=en |title=Affordy - TITAN Computers |publisher=Shop.affordy.com |access-date=July 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529014808/http://shop.affordy.com/?lang=en |archive-date=May 29, 2009 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Purism (company)|Purism]], [[Pine64]] and [[System76]] all sell general-purpose Linux laptops.<ref name="VECM6">{{cite web |url=http://mcelrath.org/laptops.html |title=Laptops/Notebooks with Linux Preinstalled |publisher=Mcelrath.org |date=June 10, 2010 |access-date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=August 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820205011/http://mcelrath.org/laptops.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Custom-order PC manufacturers will also build Linux systems, but possibly with the [[Windows key]] on the keyboard. [[Fixstars Solutions]] (formerly Terra Soft) sold Macintosh computers and [[PlayStation 3]] consoles with [[Yellow Dog Linux]] installed.

It is more common to find embedded devices sold with Linux as the default manufacturer-supported OS, including the Linksys [[NSLU2]] NAS device, [[TiVo]]'s line of personal video recorders, and Linux-based cellphones (including Android smartphones), PDAs, and portable music players.<!-- please add wikilinks to examples in the last sentence-->

The current Microsoft Windows license lets the manufacturer determine the refund policy.<ref name="Ax80H">{{Cite web|url=http://download.microsoft.com/Documents/UseTerms/Windows%207_Professional_English_b7a7153f-1a6c-498c-9350-c86926bb1aa9.pdf|title=Microsoft Software License Terms: Windows 7 Professional|access-date=January 23, 2012|archive-date=March 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311072450/http://download.microsoft.com/Documents/UseTerms/Windows%207_Professional_English_b7a7153f-1a6c-498c-9350-c86926bb1aa9.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> With prior versions of Windows, it was possible to obtain a refund if the manufacturer failed to provide the refund by litigation in the small claims courts.<ref name="SDpza">{{cite web |url=http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7040 |title=Getting a Windows Refund in California Small Claims Court |publisher=Linuxjournal.com |access-date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721010215/http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7040 |url-status=live}}</ref> On February 15, 1999, a group of Linux users in [[Orange County, California]] held a "Windows Refund Day" protest in an attempt to pressure Microsoft into issuing them refunds.<ref name="TXPbv">{{cite web |url=http://marc.merlins.org/linux/refundday/ |title=Windows Refund Day |publisher=Marc.merlins.org |date=February 15, 1999 |access-date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727081633/http://marc.merlins.org/linux/refundday/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In France, the Linuxfrench and [[AFUL]] (French speaking Libre Software Users' Association) organizations along with free software activist [[Roberto Di Cosmo]] started a "Windows Detax" movement,<ref name="bSaXD">[http://www.detaxe.org/ Detaxe.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324214215/http://www.detaxe.org/ |date=March 24, 2007}} {{in lang|fr}} Say no to bundled software - Say yes to informed consumers</ref> which led to a 2006 petition against "racketiciels" (translation: [[Racket (crime)|Racket]]ware) with 39,415 signatories and the [[DGCCRF]] branch of the French government filing several complaints against bundled software.

==Statistics==
There are no official figures on the popularity, adoption, downloads or [[installed base]] of Linux distributions.

There are also no official figures for the total number of Linux systems,<ref name="Prashanth Venkataram">{{cite web|title=Counter-Debunking the 1% myth|url=http://dasublogbyprashanth.blogspot.com/2010/09/counter-debunking-1-myth.html|publisher=dasublogbyprashanth.blogspot.com|access-date=1 October 2011|author=Prashanth Venkataram|date=2010-09-10|archive-date=September 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915003154/http://dasublogbyprashanth.blogspot.com/2010/09/counter-debunking-1-myth.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://earthweb.com/how-many-people-use-linux/|title = Linux Users: How Many People Use Linux in 2024?|access-date = 2008-05-23|last =Wise|first =Jason|date =August 10, 2023|archive-date = September 28, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230928014700/https://earthweb.com/how-many-people-use-linux/|url-status = live}}</ref> partly due to the difficulty of quantifying the number of [[personal computer|PCs]] running Linux (see [[Desktop Linux adoption]]), since many users [[download]] Linux distributions. Hence, the sales figures for Linux systems and commercial Linux distributions indicate a much lower number of Linux systems and level of [[Linux adoption]] than is the case; this is mainly due to Linux being [[free and open-source software]] that can be downloaded [[free of charge]].<ref name="Prashanth Venkataram" /><ref name="gK7DI">{{cite web|author=Caitlyn Martin|title=Debunking the 1% myth|url=http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2010/09/debunking-the-1-myth.html|publisher=oreilly.com|access-date=1 October 2011|date=2010-09-07|archive-date=February 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227195510/http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2010/09/debunking-the-1-myth.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A Linux Counter Project had kept track of a running [[guesstimate]] of the number of Linux systems, but did not distinguish between rolling release and standard release distributions. It ceased operation in August 2018, though a few related blog posts were created through October 2018.<ref name="dAoq7">{{cite web|author=C. Lohner|title=The Linuxcounter project is closed!|url=https://www.linuxcounter.net/index.html|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831013404/https://www.linuxcounter.net/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Desktop usage statistical reports for particular Linux distributions have been collected and published since July 2014<ref name="y9sXd">{{cite web|author=A. Ponomarenko|title=Linux Hardware Trends|url=https://linux-hardware.org/?view=trends|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920064241/https://github.com/linuxhw/Trends|archive-date=September 20, 2020|access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref> by the Linux Hardware Project.

[[Statcounter]], a web traffic analysis company, within the ''operating system market share'', showed that the Linux operating systems had, according to them, 3.9% of the worldwide [[market share]] in July 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Operating system market share worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide?ref=itsfoss.com|access-date=21 August 2025 |website=Statcounter}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Linux|Free and open-source software}}
* [[Comparison of Linux distributions]]
* [[Light-weight Linux distribution]]
* [[List of Linux distributions]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{sister project links|wikt=no|b=Linux Guide/Distributions |s=no|q=no|n=no|voy=no|species=no|mw=no|m=no}}
* [https://static.lwn.net/Distributions/ The LWN.net Linux Distribution List] – categorized, with information on each entry
* [https://www.gnu.org/distros/free-distros.html List of GNU/Linux distributions considered free by the Free Software Foundation]
* Google's approach to a large-scale live upgrading between two widely different Linux distributions: [http://marc.merlins.org/linux/talks/ProdNG-LC2013-JP/ProdNG.pdf presentation] and [http://marc.merlins.org/linux/talks/ProdNG-LC2013-JP/Paper/ProdNG.pdf text version], LinuxCon 2013, by Marc Merlin
* [https://www.zdnet.com/article/rolling-release-vs-fixed-release-linux/ Rolling release vs. fixed release Linux], [[ZDNet]], February 3, 2015, by Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

{{Linux distributions}}
{{Linux}}
{{FOSS}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Linux Distribution}}
[[Category:Linux distributions| ]]
[[Category:Linus Torvalds]]